The hottest Existence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Into the Waters of Being

Becoming Noble • 3249 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Existence Mortality Rituals
  1. Taking risks and confronting the possibility of death can mark a transition into maturity and authenticity.
  2. Reflecting on existential concepts like Nothingness and mortality can lead to a deeper understanding of one's existence.
  3. Encountering the power and mystery of deep bodies of water can serve as a profound and transformative experience.

Why the Principle of Sufficient Reason is Self-Evident and its Criticisms are Self-Defeating

Ethics Under Construction • 20 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Logic Existence Truth Reason Knowledge Determinism
  1. The Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR) states that everything has a reason for existing. It means for every fact, there's an explanation behind it.
  2. Critics of the PSR often make self-defeating arguments because they need reasons to argue against it. Thus, denying the PSR actually supports its validity.
  3. PSR is important for understanding the world and making sense of knowledge. It encourages us to seek underlying reasons rather than accept things as random.
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Deus Ex Machina

imetatronink • 1611 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Existence Ethics Reality Morality Perception
  1. The world is described as a place filled with engineered plagues and masks as symbols of love.
  2. There is a critique on society where the rich thrive and the poor are content with their circumstances.
  3. The text raises the idea that intelligence is now manufactured to serve human needs.

Jester’s Privilege

Becoming Noble • 1375 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Meaning Ethics Existence Truth Knowledge
  1. The Vitalist Right movement is described as being built on a disembodied space of pure voice lacking physicality, leading to a constant state of transition with no lasting structures being built
  2. The jester in this environment thrives due to the privilege of provocation without fear of physical retribution, a role that overshadows proper leadership qualities
  3. Embracing solitude, silence, and decisive action appears to be valued virtues over endless gossip and dreaming in a space where nothing tangible can be built

Does The Past Exist?

Castalia • 579 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Existence Literature History Critique Rationalism Aesthetics
  1. Some people believe that the past doesn't matter as much because they think progress leads to better results today. They argue that everything improves over time, like athletes breaking records.
  2. However, the author argues that past achievements in areas like literature and chess have their own unique value and should not be dismissed. The past has lessons and beauty that are still relevant today.
  3. It's important to respect the past and recognize its significance. It shouldn't just be seen as a stepping stone for the present.

You're so smart

Becoming Noble • 398 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Ideas Religion Morality Existence Ethics
  1. The author highlights the importance of encouraging readers to engage in thoughtful discussions and voice their opinions.
  2. There is a discussion on academia's need for a more formal network and standards, similar to a sacred order, to enhance knowledge sharing.
  3. The post delves into the complexities surrounding AI and how it impacts society biologically and socially, urging a deeper understanding of the system's dynamics.

The Complexity Illusion.

Prime Cuts Newsletter • 393 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Existence
  1. We are moving through space at incredible speeds, yet it doesn't impact our daily lives.
  2. Life may seem complex with advancements and new research, but at the core, it remains simple.
  3. Despite the appearance of increasing complexity, focus on making simple moves in life.

Death smiles at us all

Becoming Noble • 378 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Time Existence Fear Free will God
  1. Time is an alien force that impacts all of us, and we must learn to embrace it.
  2. Existence in time means every decision becomes permanent, leading into an unknowable future.
  3. Despite the fear of time and God's eternal view of our actions, individual agency is crucial, and we have a limited window to act.

Why I Don't Buy The Moral Argument

Bentham's Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Theism Atheism Morality Existence
  1. The traditional moral argument for the existence of God is not convincing because the premise that without God, objective moral values do not exist is not plausible for all.
  2. Having God as the source of morality does not provide a satisfactory grounding for morality as it creates more questions and issues.
  3. Explaining the existence of moral facts by positing God as the source is as arbitrary as positing other explanations like pleasure being good.

Universes Aren't Real

Outlandish Claims • 59 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Reality Existence Simulation
  1. The concept of universes being 'real' or 'unreal' is not a straightforward matter and cannot be definitively determined.
  2. The framework discussed in the text helps dissolve the age-old metaphysical question of 'Why is there something instead of nothing?'
  3. Existence is viewed as an intersection of infinite universes, each potentially different, which leads to the idea of living in a reality governed by physical laws rather than a simulation.

Ten Categories of Undying Beings

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Existence Futurism Ethics
  1. There are ten interesting ways to think about immortality. Each category represents a different aspect of how one might achieve or understand being undying.
  2. Categories like 'Biological Stasis' and 'Regenerative Longevity' suggest methods related to physical health and recovery.
  3. More abstract ideas like 'Conceptual Persistence' and 'Ontological Necessity' explore deeper philosophical notions about existence and being.

The Reckoning of Time

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 708 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Time Modernity Ritual Existence
  1. Timekeeping has deep cultural roots and was originally intertwined with religious and social practices.
  2. Modernity saw a shift in the importance of timekeeping from a human endeavor to a machine-driven process.
  3. The modern expectation of universal and standardized participation in societal issues contrasts with the historical concept of individualized duties and roles.

Aella: In defence of a birthday girl

Philosophy bear • 185 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existence Morality Values Meaning
  1. Many criticize Aella for her promiscuous sex life, but it's essential to understand differing views on sexuality and values.
  2. Aella challenges traditional norms by living authentically and making unconventional choices, aiming to achieve her own goals instead of following societal scripts.
  3. Aella's approach to sex involves exploring different facets of eroticism, like performatively de-eroticizing sex to intensify its significance and linking it with scientific exploration.

What are the Limits to Growth?

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 416 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Nature Technology Reality Existence
  1. The debate of growth limits involves prophets advocating for living within our means and wizards innovating to overcome limits.
  2. The sustainability question divides opinions - from Cowen's optimism to concerns about exponential growth and hitting future limits.
  3. The distinction between Progress Studies and Transhumanism showcases a shift from wizards versus prophets to wizards versus transhumanists, creating new fault lines in technological advancements.

Learning to see the world as a botanic garden

Eternal Sunshine of the Stochastic Mind • 119 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature Reflection Photography Awareness Existence
  1. Visiting a botanic garden can offer a profound sense of wonder and appreciation for nature's beauty.
  2. Being surrounded by diverse plant life helps in fostering a deep connection with the environment.
  3. Moments of awe and admiration from nature can bring clarity and perspective to everyday challenges, reminding us of the beauty in imperfection.

The Case For Life

Weekly Wisdom • 119 implied HN points • 24 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Connection Meaning Spiritual Practices Existence
  1. The question of whether life is worthwhile is often pondered in times of distress, highlighting the nature of the mind.
  2. The emergence of life preceded the application of logic, leading to a mysterious and unanswerable question of why life exists.
  3. The root cause of suffering is often attributed to disconnection with oneself, others, and the environment, suggesting that feeling connected can dissolve doubts about the worth of life.

A Dream in Search of its Ego

Boltzmann Soul • 19 implied HN points • 14 May 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Consciousness Existence
  1. The concept of Boltzmann brain suggests that a brain could randomly form from universe fluctuations.
  2. The idea that all phenomena could be the universe's attempt to understand itself sparks intriguing parallels with various philosophies.
  3. Exploration of topics like technology, science, wine, and finance can lead to uncovering wonders in seemingly random subjects.

A bear is confused about desire

Philosophy bear • 92 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Existence Desire Life Suffering Acceptance
  1. Existence involves desire and dissatisfaction, driving us to act and change things.
  2. While seeking equilibrium is important, it's crucial to differentiate between beneficial dissatisfaction that leads to growth and harmful sorrow caused by unmet needs.
  3. Striving for a balance where we can embrace life's joys and sorrows without clinging too tightly, seeking a state of desirelessness without losing the essence of existence.